Harley II

A little more than a normal person? That's more than enough!

Sigh!

Why do I feel like my situation is getting worst as the days pass? I definitely need to become a peculiar as soon as possible.

"Is there a way to lessen it somehow?" I asked. Hopeful that he would say yes.

He looked at me weirdly as he lifted his feet from the floor to sit cross-legged on the divan. "It's the same as asking if there's a way to stop being you somehow," he said while rolling his eyes.

"What do you mean? Isn't there a way to hide someone else's presence all while remaining who they are?"

"No, if you're a normal human that is. Your only hope is to leave everything to your luck and hope that you will have a concealing ability when you become a peculiar. But don't get your hopes up, the chances are very low."

So in the end, everything still boiled down to becoming a peculiar, huh. If anything, I'm glad Ethan already has a clue.

"Any clues on the process?"

"Hmm… I wouldn't call it a clue for how insignificant it is."

"Just spill it out, will you?"

"Fine! Fine! I met with someone who has lived long enough to know a lot of things. I asked him how can one become a peculiar. He only gave me a riddle. Tsk! That old man!"

A riddle? Is that part of the test? To see if you qualify for becoming a peculiar?

"What's the riddle?"

"At the lion's den, look for the lion that was as dark as the night. I tried solving it. I looked everywhere in Sratol for anyone who has a pet lion or something but it was all for naught. Who's even sane enough to do that in this small city? Anyway, after wandering for quite some time, I caught someone talking about the statues here. And like they said, there are indeed a lot of lion statues when I came to verify."

Now that he mention it, I also noticed the lion statues in Mr. Logan's manor—a whole lot of them. If this place is indeed the one the old man was referring to in his riddle, then does that mean that Mr. Logan is a peculiar? Or was he at least related to a peculiar?

"What do you think? Did you guessed it right?"

He lied on the divan completely making his arms as his pillows. He stared at the ceiling—there was a hesitant look on his face.

"I think this place is related to summoning a primordial being somehow. I mean, I'm not sure so you can take it as a grain of salt."

So if this place actually ended up being the place, then I have to find an excuse to visit here in the future.

"Do you know the requirements? Did that old man tell you anything about the qualifications or something?"

"N-No, he didn't tell me anything. But I will look for it."

Sigh! What a pain.

"Is it possible for me to meet with this old man you spoke of?"

For a moment, he was surprised and a slight panic evidently showed on his face.

"Mr. Jack. Do you… not trust my information gathering skills?" he said. His voice laced with slight disappointment.

"No, I don't mean it that way. I just thought it was only right for me to help look for information. That way, it will be faster. And I can turn into a peculiar sooner."

"It got me wondering Mr. Jack. Why are you so gung ho with the idea of becoming a peculiar. Can't you just… remain as you? I mean, haven't I warned you enough?"

Warn me about what? About how dangerous it is when I become a peculiar? That I will have to live my life in hiding? That I will lose my peace of mind? Heh! As if this world isn't dangerous enough. So isn't it better to be able to protect myself at least? Besides, sleeping unprotected is slowly consuming my sanity.

"I already told you. I've made up my mind, Ethan. Like you, I also have to protect myself. Heh! Are you even going to protect me when some nasty creatures decided to mess with me? And if you would, are you certain you can fend them off alone?"

With that, he dropped the idea of changing my mind since he knew that it will be all for naught. He dejectedly transformed into his rabbit form and went on top of the table.

I don't understand. Why is he so adamant about stopping me? Does he not want me to be able to protect myself at least?

***

Soon after, we heard a series of knocks on the door followed by it opening. It was Alicia and Dominick.

"Mr. Jack, somehow… that rabbit has become closer to you." Alicia said when she saw that Ethan hopped to my side when she slumped on the divan.

"Well, maybe because I fed him?" I shrugged.

"I see. But I think you have good compatibility with rabbits, Mr. Jack. Have you given him a name?"

In that instant, I remembered the day when we went to Dr. Stitch's laboratory. That was the time when Ethan pretended as my pet.

"Harley—Harley II."

"Harley is a good name but why the second?"

"My rabbit at the apartment is named Harley. So he will be Harley II"

"Eh? What a lazy way of naming."

As she said that, a cup of black coffee was placed in front of us—it was Dominick.

"Drink. We still have a long night. I also have some crackers if you like." he said. And to be honest, I was surprised. My impression of him was never someone to invite anyone to eat. He was like a formidable wall. Hmm… It looks like I needed to adjust my opinion of him.

***

5:00 a.m. and our job have finally come to an end. Mr. Logan was still asleep but Liam came to escort us outside.

Alicia and Dominick went back to the agency, they said they will sleep there. And that they will also make use of the mini kitchen for breakfast.

Made me wonder, do they usually do that? I mean, based on how nonchalant they were, I'm getting the impression that it wasn't the first time they're doing it.

Well, none of my concerns.

Mentally and physically tired, I immediately hopped on the bed—not even bothering myself to change.

And just like that, I haven't noticed that I have already fallen asleep.